The Los Angeles Rams are back in the running for the playoffs after a 3-6 start. They have won four of their past five games.
If Los Angeles advances far in the playoffs, ESPN NFL insider Dan Graziano thinks it could be a difficult team to beat.
“You could make the case that no one in the NFC outside of San Francisco has been playing better over the past five weeks,” Graziano said. “Who will be thrilled to draw this team in the opening round, I’m not sure. If we’re talking about 7-7 teams, I’d definitely rather play the Vikings, Buccaneers, or Saints.”
The Rams’ explosive offense is the reason for their turnaround. It has scored 149 points in the last five games, which is the fourth most in the league. Additionally, quarterback Matthew Stafford has come back to his peak. He has completed 64% of his passes for 1,250 yards, 13 touchdowns, two interceptions, and an above-average passer rating of 105.2 during this time.
The Rams defense, which ranks 19th in the league in points allowed (22.1), still has space for improvement. Sean McVay, the team’s head coach, believes the team has a good chance and says they will continue to improve.
“I’m not surprised,” McVay said following Sunday’s victory over the Washington Commanders. “[But] there is a lot of football left. There are a lot of teams in contention. Hey, let’s see what we can do moving forward against a great challenge on Thursday.”
Los Angeles plays the New Orleans Saints (7-7) in a primetime game on Thursday. If it wins, its chances of making the playoffs rise from 52 percent to 76 percent, according to The New York Times simulator. ESPN Analytics projects a 60.1 percent chance of victory for the Rams.
Maybe the Rams will qualify for the postseason and win in the wild-card round.